Object image capturing mechanism for use in a automatic photographic processor apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mechanism for capturing an image of an object client includes a camera having an optical axis extending in a direction toward the object client. A half mirror is mounted across and at an angle to the optical axis of the camera. A monitor displays an image taken by the camera. The monitor has an optical axis extending perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera and is reflected by the half mirror toward the object client. The camera is located at a position such that the optical axis thereof is offset from and not coincident with the optical axis of the monitor reflected from the half mirror.

This is a divisional application of Ser. No. 08/641,975, filed May 2,1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,958.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automatic photographic processorapparatus for automatically producing a set of photographic prints, e.g.identification photos or self-portraits, in a short period of time whena human object or client has shot or taken an image of himself orherself, a paper feeder device, an outdoor installation booth and anobject image capturing mechanism mounted in the automatic photographicprocessor apparatus, and to an identification photograph strip withcutline markings.

Automatic photographic processor apparatuses installed in theirrespective booths are generally located in stations and other publicplaces for producing a set of photographic prints, e.g. identificationphotos or self-portraits, in 1 to 3 minutes after a client takes animage of himself.

Such an automatic photographic processor apparatus located in a stationallows a client to take an image of himself by following steps of ashooting procedure explained in an instruction in a booth and thenstarts operating a printing paper feeder device for conveying a tape ofprinting paper to a printing stage. A predetermined number of images ofan upper half of the client are automatically printed on the printingpaper which is then subjected to development.

One to three minutes later, resultant prints are discharged from theautomatic photographic processor apparatus.

As the prints are discharged, they are directly received by the clientwho has been waiting.

Commonly, the printing paper feeder device in a known automaticphotographic processor apparatus is provided with a single roll ofprinting paper (127 mm wide, 50 m long) for producing a number ofprints.

Also, the booth in which the automatic photographic processor apparatusis installed includes outer walls covered with thermal insulatingmaterials of open-cell foam structure, a fan for ventilation, and abeater for maintaining a constant temperature in the booth by heating upin response to a temperature drop.

There is a height adjustable bench provided in the booth for allowingthe client to seat and shoot an image of himself with a camera locatedat an opposite position. However, as the positioning of himself to thecamera is limited, the client is not allowed to check for framing or thelike. An improved modification of the known automatic photographicprocessor apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-openPublication 6-110127 (1994). The modification allows each image producedby an imaging means such as a camera to be transferred to a centralprocessing unit where it is processed to appear on a screen an opticalaxis of which coincides with the optical axis of the imaging means by ahalf mirror located across a bisector line between the imaging means andmirror. Also, the central processing unit produces control data from theimage to drive a photographic printing means, e.g. a printer, forcompleting optimum prints.

The known automatic photographic processor apparatus produces apredetermined number of identical prints of a desired size from onesingle image and discharges them through a discharge outlet. Actually,the overall size of each print is slightly larger than the desired size.This requires the client to remove a marginal section by cutting withscissors or a cutter to have the prints of the desired size.Accordingly, the known automatic photographic processor apparatus hassome drawbacks.

For example, the known automatic photographic processor apparatuscontains 50 (printing) paper sheets and a cartridge of ink ribbon (forprinting 100 sheets) which should be replenished every few days. It isdifficult and costly to repeat replenishment (including a maintenanceroutine) for (printing) paper and ink ribbon on a plurality of theautomatic photographic processor apparatuses. To make matters worse, theautomatic photographic processor apparatuses are different inconsumption of the paper sheets. The replenishment task will thus becarried out on time with difficulty.

In practice, the automatic photographic processor apparatuses areinspected by service personnel periodically (once a month or 15 days)who systematically replaces the existing (printing) paper with a newroll while replenishing a developer agent. As the existing roll ofprinting paper is replaced regardless of its remaining length, it willnever be consumed entirely during a common service period. Theperiodical replacement is hence uneconomical. Another drawback is thatthe automatic photographic processor apparatus cannot be used during thereplacement of the roll thus leaving a possible client waiting.

The booth of the known automatic photographic processor apparatusincludes outer walls of open-cell foamed thermal insulating materialwhich is substantially high in ventilating capability but low ininsulating efficiency, thus hardly maintaining optimum operationalconditions of the automatic photographic processor apparatus. The fanfor ventilation in the booth is rarely capable of keeping thetemperature in the booth to a constant level because the temperatureshould be different between an upper region (higher) and a lower region(lower) of the booth. This will limit the location of relevant devicesof the automatic photographic processor apparatus in the booth. If thebooth is placed outside and exposed to intense sunlight during thesummer, its temperature will abruptly rise above the limit level andseriously affect the development of prints. It is extremely difficult toensure stable operations of any thermally sensitive digital imageprocessor under such a highly unstable temperature condition in thebooth.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the known automatic photographic processorapparatus employs a half mirror 101' located across a bisector line forcoinciding the optical axis 102a' of an imaging means 102' with theoptical axis 103a' of a screen 103'. In case of a passport photo whichis a type of identification photograph and strictly regulated regardinglocation and size of an object face and overall dimensions, the face isalways shot from a lower angle and its image appears facing above butnot straight.

Furthermore, a group of the prints produced and discharged from theautomatic photographic processor apparatus have to be separated by theclient cutting with scissors or a cutter. As will be understood, thecutting to an identical size is not easy while balance between upper,lower, left, and right sides is maintained. It generally happens thatthe prints when separated are unbalanced relative to each other or theoverall dimensions are decreased due to overtrimming in a series ofcutting operations.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the foregoingdrawbacks by providing an automatic photographic processor apparatus inwhich a plurality of cartridges are loaded in a storage andsystematically used one by one for enabling a non-stop long-runoperation without the need of manual service.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a paper feederdevice for use in an automatic photographic processor apparatus in whicheach roll of printing or thermal transfer paper can be used up to itstrailing end without loss and replaced with a new, unused roll withoutstopping the operation of the automatic photographic processorapparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outdoorinstallation booth for an automatic photographic processor apparatuscapable of being installed at any place such as an outside locationwhere it is exposed to direct sunlight while preventing an automaticshooting device mounted in the apparatus from being affected by a changein the ambient temperature.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide anobject image capturing mechanism for use in an automatic photographicprocessor apparatus in which the face of an object client is shotdirectly from the front with a camera level with the eyes of the client,thus avoiding a low angle shot.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide anidentification photograph strip with cutline markings and an automaticphotographic processor apparatus for producing the identificationphotograph strip with cutline markings in which an identification photoprint is instantly produced at lower cost and easily separated from thestrip by cutting with a cutter or the like to a desired size withoutimpairing its proportional balance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For achievement of the foregoing objects, the following arrangements areprovided.

An automatic photographic processor apparatus of the present inventionincludes a printer for printing an image on a sheet of paper; acartridge feeder for storing a plurality of cartridges and feeding themin sequence to a predetermined location; a transfer unit provided with acartridge holding chuck device for removing a used cartridge from theprinter, and unloading a new, unused cartridge from the cartridge feederand loading it to the printer; and a paper feeder for automaticallyfeeding the sheet of paper from a roll.

A paper feeder device for use in an automatic photographic processorapparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that apair of paper feeding means are switched one from the other by forwardand backward switching operations of a driving means for selectivelyfeeding a sheet of paper from its roll loaded in desired one of the twopaper feeding means.

Also, the paper feeder device for use in an automatic photographicprocessor apparatus is characterized by two pairs of paper feed rollersfor feeding sheets of paper from their rolls by pinching themtherebetween and a one-way clutch mounted on each pair of the paper feedrollers which are driven in opposite directions by a driver device. Whenone of the two pairs of the paper feed rollers are rotated through theone-way clutch by a forward or backward movement of the driver devicefor feeding a sheet of paper from a desired roll, the other pair of thepaper feed rollers remain idle due to release of its one-way clutch.

An outdoor installation booth for an automatic photographic processorapparatus according to the present invention has a given shape for andsize for accommodating the automatic photographic processor apparatusand is characterized by an outer wall of its shell being made of aclosed-cell foam type thermal insulating material and a combination of aventilation fan and an air conditioner mounted in upper and lowerregions of the booth shell respectively.

The outdoor installation booth for accommodating an automaticphotographic processor apparatus is further characterized by a lightedsignboard mounted outside on the top of the booth shell.

An object image capturing mechanism for use in an automatic photographicprocessor apparatus according to the present invention comprises: acamera mounted opposite to and spaced by a distance from an objectclient; a monitor arranged at a right angle to the optical axis of thecamera; and a half mirror mounted across and at a given angle to theoptical axis of the camera. The monitor displays an image taken by thecamera. The optical axis of the monitor is reflected by the half mirrorand allows the client to view the monitor. The camera is located at aposition such that its optical axis is not coincided with the opticalaxis of the monitor on the half mirror.

The camera is dislocated from the optical path of the monitor afterbeing reflected by the half mirror by 10 to 20 mm towards the monitor.

An identification photograph strip with cutline markings according tothe present invention is characterized in that at least one photographprint of a desired pattern size printed on a printing sheet isaccompanied with cutline markings which are marked down outside theprint for ease of cutting to the desired size.

Also, the identification photograph strip with cutline markings ismodified wherein left and right cutting markings of the cutline markingsare located above and below the photograph print of the pattern size onthe printing sheet, inside the left and right sides of the same, andupper and lower markings of the cutline markings are on the left andright sides of the print, inside the upper and lower sides of the same.

An automatic photographic processor apparatus for producing anidentification photograph strip with cutline markings includes a readingmeans for reading an image, an arithmetic operating device including acalculating means for converting data of the image read to a specifiedsize format and an editing means for editing the image data from thecalculating means to produce a background image data with cutlinemarkings; and a printer for producing identification photograph printsfrom the image data supplied from the editing means.

In the automatic photographic processor apparatus of the presentinvention, upon receiving a detection signal indicative of the trailingend of an ink ribbon in the cartridge at the printer, the transfer unitdrives the chuck device to unload the used cartridge from the printerand convey it to a discharge location. The chuck device of the transferunit is then moved to a cartridge feed location in the cartridge feeder.

Accordingly, the used cartridge is unloaded from the printer andreplaced with one of the new, unused cartridges stored in the cartridgefeeder by the operation of the chuck device.

The new cartridge is conveyed by the transfer unit to the printer. Whenthe new cartridge has been released from the chuck device and loaded tothe printer, the transfer unit with the chuck device is moved back toits original position.

Also, a sheet of paper to be used in the printer is sequentially fedfrom its roll loaded in the paper feeder.

As described, the cartridge is automatically replaced with a newcartridge while the sheet of paper is continuously fed by the paperfeeder, allowing the apparatus to run for a long period of time withoutthe need of manual service. In other words, the replenishment ofcartridges and paper will be carried out only at extended intervals.

In the paper feeder device in the automatic photographic processorapparatus, one of the two paper feeding means is driven by the forward(or backward) movement of the driving means while the other remainsidle. A sheet of paper is thus fed from its roll at the side of thedriven paper feeding means. The roll of paper set on the other side ofthe paper feed means is waiting to be transferred due to idling thepaper feeding means. As set forth above, when the roll of paper beingtransferred runs out, the driving means controlled electrically isdriven by the forward (or backward) movements and the other roll ofpaper is transferred. At the side of the idling paper feeding means, anempty roll may be replaced with a new roll.

Accordingly, the two rolls of paper loaded in place can be usedalternately without stopping the paper feeder device in the automaticphotographic processor apparatus.

The paper feeder device in the automatic photographic processorapparatus allows the drive device to rotate two pairs of paper feedroller in opposite directions. Due to the operation of the one-wayclutch linked to each pair of the paper feed rollers, a desired pair ofthe paper feed rollers are driven. Simultaneously, the other pair of thepaper feed rollers remain idle due to a linked operation of its one-wayclutch.

A sheet of paper is hence released from its roll and conveyed by atransfer action of the driven pair of the paper feed rollers by beingpinched therebetween.

When the sheet of paper conveyed by the driven pair of the paper feedrollers has been used up, the drive device is electrically controlled toperform a reverse operation. This allows the paper feed rollers torotate in reverse directions. The driven pair of the paper feed rollersare thus shifted by their one-way clutch to turn idle. Simultaneously,the idling pair of the paper feed rollers are linked to powertransmission by their one-way clutch and start rotating and feeding outa sheet of paper from its roll.

In the outdoor installation booth of the automatic photographicprocessor apparatus of the present invention, the outer wall of itsshell is made of the closed-cell foam type thermal insulating materialthus to increase the thermal insulating effect. As the ventilation fanmounted in the upper region of the booth is operated synchronous withthe air conditioner mounted in the lower region of the booth, the aircan be circulated throughout the booth thus maintaining a uniformtemperature. This prevents the automatic photographic processorapparatus installed in the booth from being affected by the outsidetemperature. It is also possible to install in the booth a temperaturesensitive digital image processor and thus reduce the overall processingtime considerably.

The outdoor installation booth of the automatic photographic processorapparatus of the present invention has the lighted signboard mounted onthe top thereof thus forming a double roof construction. The lightedsignboard prevents the booth from being exposed at the top to directsunlight regardless of the location of the booth. This allows the boothto have increased thermal insulating effect.

In the object image capturing mechanism in the automatic photographicprocessor apparatus of the present invention, the optical axis of thecamera is not coincided with the optical axis of the monitor. Thisallows the eyes of a client who is seated opposite to the camera to meetthe optical axis of the camera and thus be photographed straight fromthe front. Accordingly, a resultant identification photograph print hasa straight face front view of the client.

The object image capturing mechanism in the automatic photographicprocessor apparatus of the present invention allows the camera to bedislocated from the optical path of the monitor after being reflected onthe half mirror by 10 to 20 mm towards the monitor. Accordingly, theline of view of the eye of a client who is seated opposite to the camerais overlapped with the optical axis of the camera. A resultantphotograph print is a more accurate straight front view of the client.

The identification photograph strip with cutline markings of the presentinvention is provided with a photograph print of a desired pattern sizethat can be separated from a printing sheet by placing a rule betweentwo corresponding cutline markings and cutting along the rule with acutter. Accordingly, the desired size of the print is obtained withoutmaking a cutting error. The rule is placed between left and rightmarkings and upper and lower markings of the cutline markings.

In the automatic photographic processor apparatus for producing theidentification photograph print with the cutline markings according tothe present invention, data of an image read with the reading means iscalculated by the calculating means to a format of the passport size andcombined by the editing means with a background image data of thecutline markings printed outside a pattern of the print. Upon receivinga resultant combined image data, the printer prints out a print of theimage data with the cutline markings on a sheet of paper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view, seen from a cartridge feederside, of an automatic photographic processor apparatus showingEmbodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view, seen from a printer side, of theautomatic photographic processor apparatus of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a transfer unit in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a cartridge feeder in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a chuck device in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the chuck device of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing operation of the automaticphotographic processor apparatus of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining a series of operations (1) to (12) of theautomatic photographic processor apparatus of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a paper feeder device showing Embodiment 2 ofthe present invention, in which an upper pair of paper feed rollers aredriven in an automatic photographic processor apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the paper feed rollers shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the paper feed rollers shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a left side view of the paper feed rollers shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2,showing that a lower pair of paper feed rollers are driven in theautomatic photographic processor apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the paper feed rollers shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the paper feed rollers shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a left side view of the paper feed rollers shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing a step 1 of the paper conveyingoperation of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a step 2 of the paper conveyingoperation of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a step 3 of the paper conveyingoperation of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing a step 4 of the paper conveyingoperation of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a step 5 of the paper conveyingoperation of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing a step 6 of the paper conveyingoperation of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a step 7 of the paper conveyingoperation of the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 24 is a partially cross sectioned front view of an outdoorinstallation booth for an automatic photographic processor apparatusshowing Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a partially cross sectioned side view of the outdoorinstallation booth for an automatic photographic processor apparatus ofEmbodiment 3;

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view of the outdoor installation booth foran automatic photographic processor apparatus of Embodiment 3;

FIG. 27 is a schematic explanatory view of an object image capturingmechanism in an automatic photographic processor apparatus showingEmbodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is an explanatory view of a primary part of the object imagecapturing mechanism of Embodiment 4;

FIG. 29 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the automaticphotographic processor apparatus according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 30 is a schematic explanatory view of Embodiment 4 showing aprimary region in cross section;

FIG. 31 is a schematic explanatory view of a prior art mechanism relatedto an object image capturing mechanism in a known automatic photographicprocessor apparatus;

FIG. 32 is a schematic explanatory view of another prior art mechanismrelated to the object image capturing mechanism in the known automaticphotographic processor apparatus;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an automatic photographic processorapparatus for producing an identification photograph strip with cutlinemarkings showing Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a front view of the identification photograph strip withcutline markings according to Embodiment 5;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing the automatic photographic processorapparatus for producing an identification photograph strip with cutlinemarkings of Embodiment 5; and

FIG. 36 is a flowchart of the operation of the automatic photographicprocessor apparatus for producing an identification photograph stripwith cutline markings of Embodiment 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments 1 to 5 of the present invention will be describedreferring to the accompanying drawings of FIGS. 1 to 36. The numerals(1, 2, 3, . . . ) in each drawing are substantially independent fromidentical numbers in the other drawings. It should thus be noted thatcomponents denoted by like numerals are different more or less from eachother in the construction while being similar substantially.

Embodiment 1

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will first be explained referringto FIGS. 1 to 8. Embodiment 1 relates to an automatic photographicprocessor apparatus according to the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic photographic processor apparatus 1comprises a printer 2, a cartridge feeder 3, a transfer unit 5 includinga chuck device 4, and a paper feeder 6.

The printer 2 is a digital color printer of e.g. thermal transfer typefor printing an image on a sheet of thermal transfer printing papersupplied from the paper feeder 6 with the ink ribbon of a cartridge A(FIG. 4).

The cartridge feeder 3 comprises a cartridge storage 7 and a cartridgeunloader 8, as best shown in FIG. 4. The cartridge storage 7 has asquare tubular shape for vertical storage of a plurality of cartridgesA, each cartridge containing an ink ribbon.

The cartridge unloader 8 comprises a chain conveyor 9 and a drive unit(not shown). The chain conveyor 9 includes a chain 9a provided with adetecting plate 10. As the chain conveyor 9 is driven, the detectingplate 10 draws out the lowest one of the cartridges A in the cartridgestorage 7 and conveys it forward from the storage 7.

The detecting plate 10 is arranged to drive the cartridge A and operatewith a sensor (not shown) for examining whether or not the cartridge Ahas been conveyed and remains at a given position forwardly of thecartridge storage 7.

The chuck device 4 is mounted to the transfer unit 5 for upward anddownward movements as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. More particularly, thechuck device 4 includes a pair of rotary solenoids 11 and 12 which haverespective wings 11a and 12a. In operation, the wings 11a and 12a oftheir respective rotary solenoids 11 and 12 are rotated (or pivoted) tohold and release the cartridge A. The chuck device 4 also has a roller4a for closing a cover 2a (FIG. 7) of the printer 2 which will bedescribed later in more detail.

The two wings 11a and 12a are linked to each other. When the wing 12a isrotated clockwisely by the clockwise rotary solenoid 12, it moves into acasing of the cartridge A. When the wing 11a is turned counter-clockwiseby the counter-clockwise rotary solenoid 11, it moves to a cassetteholding location for holding the cartridge A from inside.

The transfer unit 5 (FIGS. 1 to 3) is arranged so that a portal frame 5athereof is driven by an actuator 13 for forward and backward movementsof the transfer unit 5, and a transverse frame 5b thereof mounted to thechuck device 4 is driven by an actuator 14 for upward and downwardmovements. By controlling the transfer unit 5 and the chuck device 4,the cartridge A is loaded to and unloaded from the printer 2 and alsothe cover 2a of the digital color printer machine in the printer 2 isopened and closed.

The paper feeder 6 is adapted to hold two rolls of the printing paper(not shown) which are selectively supplied to the printer 2 by forwardor backward rotating operation of a drive unit. Upon one of the tworolls having been consumed up, the other is automatically fed to theprinter 2 without producing any down time of the printer 2.

There is provided a chute 15 for removing an empty cartridge A. Theprescribed components are safely installed in protective casings ofminimum sizes.

The operation of the automatic photographic processor apparatus 1 willnow be explained referring to FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the trailing end of an ink ribbon in the cartridge A loaded in theprinter 2 is detected, a resultant detection signal releases the lockingstate of the cover 2a of the thermal transfer color printer machine. Asa result, the cover 2a is opened by a wire and a counter weight whichare not shown. The transfer unit 5 is then moved from a position (1) toa position (5) shown in FIG. 8. Upon picking up the used cartridge Awith the chuck device 4, the transfer unit 5 carries it from (5) to (2),(11), and (12). At the position (12), the cartridge A is removed throughthe chute 15.

The transfer unit 5 travels from (12) to (11), (1), and (6) for pickingup an unused cartridge A, and conveys it from (1) to (5) for loading tothe printer 2. The transfer unit 5 further moves from (5) to (3), (7),and (8). As the roller 4a of chuck device 4 runs over to close the cover2a of the thermal transfer color printer machine, the transfer unit 5travels to (9) and (10). After a cycle of operation is completed, thetransfer unit 5 moves back to its start position (1).

Meanwhile, the thermal printing paper is continuously supplied from itsroll in the paper feeder 6 to the printer 2.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described referring toFIGS. 9 to 23.

Embodiment 2 illustrates a paper feeder device installed in an automaticphotographic processor apparatus of the present invention. As itsprimary parts are illustrated in the drawings, the paper feeder devicefeeds a printing paper from one of two rolls and, upon such one rollbeing consumed, switching to the other roll.

The paper feeder device 101 comprises two paper feeding means 102 and103, a driving means 104, and other components, as best shown in FIG. 9.Each of the paper feeding means 102 and 103 includes paper feed rollersand one-way clutches. The driving means 104 consists mainly of a motorand a plurality of toothed wheels. As the paper feeding means 102 and103 are driven by the driving means 104, the printing paper is releasedfrom its roll.

More specifically, a pair of paper feed rollers 106 and 107 arerotatably mounted to a support base 105 as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12. Thetwo paper feed rollers 106 and 107 are arranged in direct contact witheach other at their outer surfaces. One-way clutch 108 is mountedadjacent to one end of the paper feed roller 107 (specific one of thetwo rollers) so that the paper feed roller 107 when rotated in adirection denoted by arrow a is shifted to a locked state by the actionof the one-way clutch 108 for creating a driving force. The drivingforce allows a sheet of printing paper S1 to be drawn from its roll L1(FIG. 12) and conveyed between the two paper feed rollers 106 and 107.

Another pair of paper feed rollers 109 and 110 are rotatably mounted tothe support base 105 beneath the paper feed roller 107. While the twopaper feed rollers 109 and 110 are similar in construction to the higherpaper feed rollers 106 and 107, a one-way clutch 111 is mounted adjacentto the paper feed roller 110 (specific one of the two paper feedrollers). As the paper feed roller 110 is rotated in a direction denotedby arrow b in FIGS. 13 to 16, it creates a driving force due to theaction of the one-way clutch 111. Accordingly, a sheet of printing paperS2 is drawn from its roll L2 (FIG. 12) and transferred between the twopaper feed rollers 109 and 110.

When the paper feed rollers 107 and 110 are rotated in reversedirections, they are unlocked to turn freely by the action of theirrespective one-way clutches 108 and 111, allowing the paper sheets S1and S2 not to be conveyed.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 (and FIGS. 13 to 16), motor 112 and toothedwheels 113 of the driving means for the paper feed rollers 107 and 110are located at one side of the support base 105. More particularly, themotor 112 is mounted to a lower end of the support base 105. The motor112 has a drive shaft 114 thereof on which a toothed wheel 115 isfitted. The toothed wheel 115 is engaged with a toothed wheel 116mounted to one end of the paper feed roller 110. The toothed wheel 116is then engaged with a toothed wheel 117 mounted to one end of the paperfeed roller 107. Accordingly, as the motor 112 drives the toothed wheels115, 116, and 117 the paper feed rollers 107 and 110 are rotated inopposite directions.

There are also provided two guide pulleys 118 and 119 for guiding theforward movement of the paper sheets S1 and S2 through the paper feedrollers 107 and 110, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 16. More specifically, thetwo guide pulleys 118 and 119 are arranged to direct forwardly either ofthe paper sheets S1 and S2 driven by the paper feed roller 107 or 110,whichever is in service.

A loop sensor 120 is provided for detecting a loop form of the papersheet S1 (or S2) which is produced after passing the guide pulleys 18and 19 and will be explained later in detail. Also, overfeed sensors 121and 122 are mounted before the guide pulleys 118 and 119 for detectinginadequate behaviors of the paper sheets S1 and S2 respectivelyforwarded from the paper feed rollers 107 and 110, as shown in FIG. 17.

A combination of a drive shaft 123 and a hold-down roller 124 is mountedfor forwarding the paper sheet S1 (or S2) passed between guide pulleys118 and 119. The drive shaft 123 is linked by a belt 126 (or a chain) toa motor 125. Accordingly, as the motor 125 rotates, a half roller 127the periphery of which is partially flattened is turned one fullrevolution to forward the paper sheet S1 (or S2). A pair of grip rollers128 and 129 are provided for causing the paper sheet S1 (or S2) to pausebefore being transferred further.

In common, the paper feeder device 101 in the automatic photographicprocessor apparatus allows two rolls L1 and L2 of the printing paper tobe stored in place (not shown). An upper paper sheet S1 from its roll L1(FIG. 12) is forwarded between the paper feed rollers 106 and 107mounted to the support base 105, as shown in FIG. 17. Simultaneously,another paper sheet S2 from its roll L2 (FIG. 12) is conveyed betweenthe paper feed rollers 109 and 110.

For feeding the upper paper sheet S1, the motor 112 is turned on torotate the toothed wheel 115 in the (forward or reverse) directiondenoted by the arrow in FIGS. 9 to 12. In response, the toothed wheel116 of the paper feed roller 110 and the toothed wheel 117 of the paperfeed roller 107 are rotated in their corresponding directions.

As the rollers rotate, the one-way clutch 108 on the paper feed roller107 mounted to the upper portion of the support base 105 is activatedthus to transfer the paper sheet S1 of the upper roll L1.

At such time, the one-way clutch 111 on the paper feed roller 110mounted to the lower of the support base 105 remains idle allowing thepaper sheet S2 of the lower roll L2 to pause.

When the upper roll L1 (FIG. 12) is consumed, the motor 112 rotatessystematically in the reverse direction to rotate the toothed wheels115, 116, and 117 in the directions denoted by the arrows in FIGS. 13 to16.

Accordingly, the one-way clutch 111 on the paper feed roller 110 mountedto the lower portion of the support base 105 is activated to transferthe lower paper sheet S2. Meanwhile, the one-way clutch 108 on the paperfeed roller 107 mounted to the upper portion of the support base 105remains idle. Then, an unused roll is loaded at the upper side forallowing the automatic photographic processor apparatus to runcontinuously without any down time.

The feeding of the upper paper sheet S1 will be explained referring toFIGS. 17 to 23. As shown in FIG. 17, the operation starts with(manually) forwarding the paper sheets S1 and S2 from their respectiverolls L1 and L2 (FIG. 12) to two, upper and lower, paper inlets X and Yrespectively to positions such that the overfeed sensors 121 and 122 donot detect the paper.

The upper paper sheet S1 is preferentially conveyed by the paper feedingmeans 102 and the driving means 104 which are electrically controlleduntil its leading end reaches the grip rollers 128 and 129 as shown inFIG. 18. Meanwhile, the feeding of the paper sheet S1 from its roll L1(FIG. 12) is continued so that a loop L is produced between the guidepulleys 118, 119 and the drive shaft 123.

When the loop L becomes large as shown in FIG. 19, it is detected by theloop sensor 120 and the feeding of the paper sheet S1 is halted.

The drive shaft 123 is then turned to its original position just beforethe grip roller 129 starts rotating as shown in FIG. 20. This allows thepaper sheet S1 to be gripped between the half roller 127 and thehold-down roller 124 and thus transferred correctly to between the griprollers 128 and 129.

Referring to FIG. 21, as the paper sheet S1 is further conveyed, aprinting operation starts. During the printing operation, the loop L isvaried in size.

After the printing operation is completed, the paper sheet S1 is cut offat the forward side of the grip rollers 128 and 129. Meanwhile, the loopL becomes minimum in size.

Upon the cutting operation being finished, the remaining paper sheet S1is withdrawn from the grip rollers 128 and 129 as shown in FIG. 23. Ifthe loop L remains too small to be detected by the loop sensor 120, thepaper sheet S1 is further fed from its roll L1 until the loop sensor 120produces a detection signal.

When the upper roll L1 (FIG. 12) is consumed, the feeding is switched tothe lower roll L2. By repeating the above operation, the paper sheet S2is conveyed forward. As described, the sheet of thermal transfer orprinting paper is driven by the paper feeder device 101 and passedthrough the automatic photographic processor apparatus which in turnconducts exposure and development operations to produce a series ofphotographic prints.

It will be understood that the paper feeder device of Embodiment 2 maysuccessfully be used in a ticket machine or a register machine.

Embodiment 3

Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described referring toFIGS. 24 to 26. Embodiment 3 relates to an outdoor installation housingor booth for an automatic photographic processor apparatus of thepresent invention.

As shown, the outdoor installation booth 201 for an automaticphotographic processor apparatus has an overall shape of a rectangularparallelepiped, in which an automatic photographic processor apparatus203 is installed in a booth shell 202. Also, a bench 204 is placedopposite to and at a distance from the automatic photographic processorapparatus 203. The automatic photographic processor apparatus 203 can beoperated by a client who is seated on the bench 204 for taking an imageof himself or herself.

The booth shell 202 has an entrance opening 205 in one side thereof foreasy access of the client to the automatic photographic processorapparatus 203 and its other sides are enclosed by walls 206. Each wall206 is made of metal sheets 207 and a closed-cell foam type thermalinsulating material 208. More specifically, the metal sheets 207 arearranged to cover the entire wall 206 and are bonded at their innersides to the closed-cell foam type thermal insulating material 208.Joints between the metal sheets 207 are filled with a sealant.

The booth shell 202 also has a top side 202a and a bottom side 202b ofthe same construction as the walls 206 or of other ceiling and floormaterials respectively.

A ventilation fan 209 is mounted to the inner side of the booth shell202 above the automatic photographic processor apparatus 203. Also, anair-conditioner 210 of a small size is provided beneath the ventilationfan 209. The air-conditioner 210 delivers a flow of cool air towards theventilation fan 209 which blows downwardly warm air stagnated above inthe booth. Accordingly, the air is circulated about the automaticphotographic processor apparatus 203 which thus stays in an optimumtemperature condition. The automatic photographic processor apparatus203 includes a digital image processor (not shown) which is preferablylocated in a lower region of the automatic photographic processorapparatus 203 where the temperature is relatively low.

A lighted signboard 211 is mounted on the top of the booth shell 202.The lighted signboard 211 is larger in plan area than the top of thebooth shell 202 and has a square hollow construction in which a lightingappliance is installed for illuminating characters or pictures providedon an outer side 211a of the lighted signboard 211 for advertisingpurposes.

As the lighted signboard 211 is mounted on the top of the booth shell202 forming a double roof arrangement, the booth shell 202 is preventedfrom being directly exposed to sunlight and will have an increasedthermal insulating effect.

Embodiment 4

Embodiment 4 of the present invention will now be described referring toFIGS. 27 to 30. Embodiment 4 relates to an object image capturingmechanism in the automatic photographic processor apparatus of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, a booth 302 of a rectangular parallelepipedshape has an interior space 301 which is divided by a center partition303 into two areas 301a and 301b. A stool 304 is provided in the area301a for allowing a client to be seated. One side of the area 301a inthe booth 302 has an entrance opening 306 therein provided with acurtain 305 for closing opening 306.

The other area 301b in the booth 302 contains the object shootingmechanism A of this embodiment for taking an image of an object orclient, a central processing unit (not shown) for processing an image,and a photographic processor (not shown). The partition 303 has a window307 provided therein opposite to the client who is seated on the stool304 facing the front (towards the space 301b). The booth 302 may bearranged in any other appropriate shape.

The object image capturing mechanism A in the automatic photographicprocessor apparatus comprises a half mirror 308, a monitor 310, and acamera 312 mounted in an upper region of the area 301b. The half mirror308 is spaced by a distance from the window 307. More specifically, thehalf mirror 308 is arranged with its reflecting surface 309 tilted at anangle of 45 degrees to the window 307, as shown in FIG. 30.

Also, the monitor 310 is disposed above the half mirror 308 so that itfaces at 45 degrees to the reflecting surface 309 of the half mirror308. An image displayed on the monitor 310 is viewed by the client forconfirmation and is reflected 90 degrees on the reflecting surface 309of the half mirror 308.

The camera 312 is disposed behind the half mirror 308 so that its lens311 faces the client through the window 307. In particular, the camera312 is offset by 10 to 20 mm towards the monitor 310 from the opticalaxis 314 of the monitor 310 extending after being reflected on the halfmirror 308, preventing optical axis 313 from overlapping the opticalaxis 314 of the monitor 310.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the dislocation or offset of the opticalaxis 313 of the camera 312 from the optical axis 314 of the monitor 310allows the eyes of the client who is seated on the stool 304 and facingthe front (towards the window 307) to meet the optical axis 313 of thecamera 312. Accordingly, the image of the client will be taken directlyfrom the front. Simultaneously, the client can view an image of his orher face displayed on the monitor 310 through the half mirror 308. Theimage on the monitor 310 displays a straight viewing orientation of theface which is most preferred for any type of identification photograph.

Embodiment 5

Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described referring toFIGS. 33 to 36. Embodiment 5 relates to an identification photo stripwith cutline markings and an automatic photographic processor apparatusfor producing such strip of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an automatic photographic processorapparatus for producing the identification photo with a cutline marking,in which the numeral 401 denotes an overall arrangement of the automaticphotographic processor apparatus.

The automatic photographic processor apparatus 401 for theidentification photo with a cutline marking has a booth 402 ofsubstantially box shape and divided by a partition 403 into two spaces,a machine room 404 and a shooting room 405.

The shooting room 405 has an entrance opening 406 provided in a frontside thereof. The partition 403 has a window 407 provided in a centralregion thereof, two lighting devices 408 and 409 mounted thereon aboveand below the window 407 respectively, and a coin/note insertion 410mounted thereto. There are also provided a stool 412, a back rest 433,and button-switch controls (not shown) so that an object or client 411(who wants identification photos) faces directly the window 407 of thepartition 403 when seated on the stool 412.

A video camera 413 is installed in the machine room 404 for taking animage of the client 411 seated on the stool 412 through a half mirror(not shown). The video camera 413 is a known CCD camera (an imagingmeans) which converts an optical image captured by an optical system ofa lens and sensor to an electric signal.

Also, a visual display terminal 414 (namely CRT) for displaying thecaptured image and relevant instruction screens is mounted in a positionwhich is close to the video camera 413 and thus is viewed through thewindow 407 by the client 411. A microcomputer 415 is mounted beneath thevideo camera 413 for processing data of the image transferred from thecamera 413. Provided beneath the microcomputer 415 is a printer 417 forprinting on an identification photo printing sheet 416 shown in FIG. 34the image data of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) colors of aprint format which have been converted by the microcomputer 415 from RGBsignals of the three optical primary colors.

The microcomputer 415 comprises, as shown in FIG. 35, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 421 including a calculating means 418 forconverting the image data captured by the video camera 413 to a formatsuited for producing prints of a desired size, and an editing means 419for, producing from the image data of the calculating means 418 aprintout format of the image data accompanied with background data inwhich cutline markings are printed about a group of pattern photographs420, and a sub-central processing unit (SUB-CPU) 423 for controlling apower source and other peripheral devices 422.

The procedure of printing an identification photo sheet 416 for passportand visa size pictures accompanied with the cutline markings, shown inFIG. 34, with the automatic photographic processor apparatus 401 will beexplained in conjunction with a flowchart of FIG. 36.

The procedure starts with specifying a desired size, e.g. passport andvisa size, of identification photographs. The client is seated on thestool 412 to face the window 407 and switches on the video camera 413 totake an image of himself or herself. A resultant image captured by thevideo camera 413 is displayed in real time on the VDT 414. While viewingthe image through the (unshown) half mirror, the client can determine ashooting proportion. The determined proportion is then displayed as astill image on the VDT 414.

If the displayed proportion is not accepted, it can be deleted by usinga cancel switch (not shown). As a result, the video camera 413 startsagain and its current image is displayed on the VDT 414. When a desiredstill image is obtained, it is transferred as the image data to the CPU421.

Upon being received by the CPU 421, the image data of 64 mm long by 48mm width is shifted by the editing means 419 to a passport size of 45mm×35 mm which is then pasted in the passport pattern 420 of which eachcorner is marked with cutline markings 424.

In more detail, the image data of 64 mm×48 mm is scaled down in the CPU21 by reducing 48 mm of width to 35 mm which is a width of the passportsize. Accordingly, the reduced image has a length of 46.6 mm. Then, 46.6mm is trimmed by 0.8 mm from both sides.

Similarly, the image data is shifted in the CPU 421 to a visa size bythe same manner of calculating and editing as for the passport size.

More particularly, the image data of 64 mm×48 mm received by the CPU 421is reduced to 50 mm×50 mm of the visa size. When 48 mm of the width ofthe image data is changed to 50 mm, the length turns to 66.6 mm which isthen trimmed by 8.3 mm from both sides by the editing means 419. Theresultant visa size of data is pasted on the visa pattern 420accompanied with the cutline markings 424 at each corner.

The cutline markings 424 are printed to cut a desired size. As eachphotograph pattern 420 of the image is printed slightly greater by 1 to2 mm at each side than its actual desired size, left and right cuttingmarkings 424a of the cutline markings 424 at upper and lower ends of thepattern 420 are positioned inwardly of vertical edges 420b on theidentification photograph sheet 416, and upper and lower cuttingmarkings 424b at left and right ends of the pattern 420 are positionedinwardly of horizontal edges 420a. Accordingly, cutting is conductedbetween two corresponding markings 424 but not along the border lines oredges between the pattern 420 and a margin area of the sheet 416. Thisallows each photo to be cut without creating a no-image fragment at eachedge even if the cutting is not straight.

After the image data is reduced to the passport or visa size by thecalculating and editing operations, its RGB color signals of the opticalformat are converted to three print colors of the YMC format which aretransmitted to the printer 417 for printing. As a result, theidentification photo sheet 416 shown in FIG. 34 is obtained where thepatterns 420 of the passport size and the visa size are printed withtheir respective cutline markings 424 appearing at each corner of eachpattern 420.

The patterns 420 can easily be separated from each other by cutting theidentification photo sheet 416 with a cutter along a rule (both notshown) which extends between the two corresponding cutline markings 424.Accordingly, each resultant identification photograph of the passport orvisa size is produced with its top and bottom edges, and left and rightedges well balanced.

The size of identification photographs is not limited to the passport orvisa size described in Embodiment 5 and any other sizes including acommon format fabricated by the right row of steps in FIG. 36 can beproduced successfully in the same manner as in Embodiment 5. Althoughthe image taken by the video camera in Embodiment 5 is viewed in realtime on the VDT, a given number of the same may be recorded on amagnetic tape or hard disk for allowing the client to select the mostfavorable one in playback.

What claimed is:
 1. A mechanism for use in an automatic photographicprocessor apparatus and for capturing an image of an object client, saidmechanism comprising:a camera having an optical axis extending in adirection to be toward an object client whose image is to be captured; ahalf mirror mounted across and at an angle to said optical axis of saidcamera; a monitor for displaying an image taken by said camera, saidmonitor having an optical axis extending perpendicular to said opticalaxis of said camera and being reflected by said half mirror in saiddirection to be toward the object client so that the object client canview the image displayed by said monitor; and said camera being locatedat a position such that said optical axis thereof is offset from and notcoincident with said optical axis of said monitor reflected from saidhalf mirror.
 2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positionof said camera is such that said optical axis thereof is offset in adirection toward said monitor.
 3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1,wherein an amount of offset of said optical axis of said camera fromsaid optical axis of said monitor reflected from said half mirror isfrom 10 to 20 mm.
 4. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a window located at a position to be between said half mirrorand the object client and to define a frame of the image taken by saidcamera, said optical axis of said monitor reflected from said halfmirror passing through a center of said window, and said optical axis ofsaid camera passing through said window at a location space from saidcenter.